Deposit to pay rent? We moved out early.

[Vess]

What is the name of your state? NJ
We moved out of the rented apartment1.5 month before the end of the lease. We also had paid 1.5 month of security deposit. It reads in the lease contract that deposits can be used for unpaid rent and other damages. So, we told them to use the deposit to cover 11/04 end half 12/04 rents. The apartment has been proffessionally cleaned before we moved out. Now we received a notice from the Superior Court of NJ that we are being sued for a lot of money . Rent+late charges + an outragous attorney fee!
Please advise. Should we hire a lawer and go to court? Can we negotiate with the Landlord and what sounds reasonable?
Thank you!

 

[JETX]

Should we hire a lawer and go to court?

And of course, we don't near enough information to answer that!!

Can we negotiate with the Landlord

Of course you can negotiate with the landlord.

and what sounds reasonable?

Sounds like 1.5 months rent, plus any reasonable damages, less the amount of the security deposit.